This digital collection contains diaries and related items of soldiers from Iowa who fought in the American Civil War (1861-1865). The documents offer valuable insight on their day-to-day activities, accounts of battles, and feelings regarding the war and their time as soldiers. Several of the diaries include full or partial transcriptions.

"This evening, with a very sad heart, I enlisted in the defence [sic] of my country in this great rebellion, deeming it my duty." -- Read full entry

"Two young ladies here on the field in search of their brothers -- one of them being in the Federal and the other in the rebel army." --  Read full entry

"The year goes out cold and blustering -- and leaves me a prisoner in Sumter… It is generally supposed that the ensuing year will end the civil war in America." -- Read full entry